Operational costs have increased due to US tariffs at all American spas surveyed, according to a new study by industry research specialist Intelligent Spas.

The company, led by managing director Julie Garrow, has analysed feedback from global spa industry professionals to determine how US tariffs are causing uncertainty.

The report Impact of US Tariffs on the Spa Industry highlights the ways buyers and suppliers are changing their financial and employment plans to minimise the impacts of the tariffs.

Julie Garrow told Spa Business exclusively, "The awareness of this information will bring more confidence to those dealing with negative impacts, as well as employees who worry about their job security. It's good to note 53 per cent of survey respondents stated the new tariffs were unlikely to change the number of employees in the business this year."

Background

On 2 April, US President Donald Trump declared a national emergency to address the country's trade deficit and introduced a two-tier tariff system. The new tariffs, which include a universal 10 per cent import levy and steep country-specific duties, are reshaping global trade and hitting industry worldwide.

The spa and wellness industry is facing rising costs and uncertain supply chains. Many spas in the US rely on imported equipment, products and other supplies, which are now subject to the tariffs. Suppliers based outside the US face logistics complications, inflated export costs and must meet other changing trade requirements.

The threats of squeezed margins, increased prices for consumers and disrupted service delivery loom as companies adapt to the turbulence.

The results

The report’s key findings (based on a sample of 83 respondents) include:

• 28 per cent of all survey respondents globally stated they are being negatively impacted by the new tariffs

• 72 per cent of all survey respondents globally say they have not yet been negatively impacted• 32 per cent of those who stated they are not being negatively impacted have already changed their financial forecasts and budgets

• 47 per cent of those who sell products and/or services to the Americas said they’ve experienced negative impacts • 45 per cent of respondents located in the US said they’re being negatively affected, versus 29 per cent of those located in the Asia Pacific region

• 8 per cent of respondents from Europe, Africa and the Middle East stated they’re being negatively impacted

The report also dives into more detail on the following topics:

• The overall business impact on the spa industry.• The specific impact on spa businesses.

• The types of negative impacts experienced.• The significance of the impacts.

• Strategies that are being implemented to mitigate the impacts.• How companies have altered their financial plans and budgets.

• Changes that will occur in employee numbers in 2025.• Plus general comments about experiences to date.

Respondents have received details on how to download a free copy of the report.

The full report can be purchased for US$30 (€26, £22) at www.IntelligentSpas.com.